Decades ago, high schools had protocols for concussions

I am confused about the recent publicity about concussions in sports. It appears as if amateur and professional athletes just learned about them.

I served as a football team physician for our Canton high school football teams from the 1960s to the 1980s. We were very careful to be aware of concussions and immediately removed any students in whom we suspected even a minor concussion for evaluation and clearance before allowing them to continue playing. Fortunately, we never had a serious problem during that time.

As time went on, we developed a protocol whereby students participating in contact sports were given screening exams before engaging in certain sports. If a concussion was suspected, the student was given a special exam and, if the results were abnormal, was not allowed to return to the sport until cleared by a physician who was familiar with these exams.

Having attended many Pro Football Hall of Fame activities over the years, I found it obvious that many professional players had complications from apparent concussions. This is born out by the recent stories of players who have had significant damage from concussions.

Simple awareness should prevent many students and athletes from being permanently damaged. Protocols in the recognition and care of concussions should be in place to protect all athletes.